Rick Carlisle defends Luka Doncic after 44-point peformance

The Los Angeles Lakers returned home Friday night, looking to bounce back against the Indiana Pacers after a loss to the Denver Nuggets Thursday.

With LeBron James sidelined, Luka Doncic took on the scoring responsibility, posting one of his most complete performances of the season.

Doncic finished with 44 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. 

Doncic did all of his damage in the first three quarters, as head coach JJ Redick rested the Slovenian star while leading in the fourth.

With Doncic sidelined the Pacers made a small comeback bid, but ultimately fell by 11 points.

Following the game, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle spoke about the performances of his team as well as Doncic, a player he used to work with closely as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

Though Doncic has been under scrutiny for his attitude in recent seasons, Carlisle was quick to defend his former player.

“He’s the greatest player I’ve ever coached,” said Carlisle. “You show me a great player that isn’t stubborn and doesn’t get pissed off at things, and I’ll show you a guy that’s not a great player.”

He went on to say: "I don't know if I've seen a player control an NBA game the way he does."

With the win and a Nuggets loss, the Lakers moved within half a game of the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference.

They'll have Saturday off before hosting the New York Knicks at home Sunday.

More NBA news:

• Miles Bridges on Hornets high attendance: 'I'm not used to this'
• Austin Reaves' struggles continue to concern Lakers fans
• Kon Knueppel leads the league in this shocking stat since the All-Star break
• 76ers reveal concerning VJ Edgecombe injury news ahead of matchup vs. Jazz
• Spurs forward snaps incredible five-year streak vs. 76ers
• Hornets forward Brandon Miller weighs in on Rookie of the Year award race